Living Rural

It is here! Blog Action Post Day 2008! The topic this year is POVERTY. Wow, this is a tough one … especially with the problems in our economy over the last several weeks. It has hit most, if not, ALL Americans where it hurts the most - being able to take care of their families by providing shelter, food, clothing and the necessities for living, the basics. Jobs have been lost, homes foreclosed and families displaced, pension depleted, and people are scared!

Poverty falls across the board and shows no mercy to race, gender, religion, politics, or economics. Persons with a lot of money have “lost it all” and placed in the Welfare system of the Federal Government. Some are able to get jobs and pull themselves up and out of “the system.” The people in poverty that pull at my heart the most are those that have been in this “hell” for three generations and longer … whole families - father, mother, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. It some areas the entire family is sharing a bathroom and sleeping in 1 or 2 bedrooms or on the floor, if they are blessed to have a house to live in. Others are in shelters with their belongings in trash bags, carried from shelter to shelter - no privacy at all. Yet, they manage to get through the day, only to face the same situation when they awake the next day.

Then we find poverty in the lowest form and the hardest to help or understand, those living on the streets of ALL towns and cities across our country. Some (a few) choose this life, I think, because it is all they have ever known. Others removed from mental health institutions and prisons and left without any means of taking care of themselves - if they even know how! This section will grow as our economy continues to stagnate. Whose responsibility is it to change the conditions of people in our society that fall into this awful category of poverty?

EVERYONE … that is the only way to help to eliminate poverty - the buddy system - every adult becomes the friend of an adult in poverty. The BUDDY helps in this way … when shopping for groceries purchase TWO of what they buy, bagged separately, and taken to their buddy. Food is the first need to fill. If a person is not hungry, the chances increase that strength and health improve allowing the search for work each day until a job is found. Each BUDDY will check on their friend each week, offering transportation to health care appointments, job interviews, and church.

Very strong Christian men and women founded our country. Prayer was a daily part of their lives. Church is where you could find them on the Sabbath. What we have forgotten is this is what made us strong as a nation and what kept us strong. Now we have removed prayer from schools, we try to separate church and state, and we ridicule the beliefs held dear by Christians. This MUST change; freedom of religion needs to return. No one is forced to pray, believe, attend, or practice something that is not what he or she wants to do. However, my personal opinion, is one that feels in some cases poverty can be helped by having the strength of prayer and a home church to help person(s) and families.

Will we end poverty in a short amount of time? NO! Can we make a difference? YES!

Let’s start today.

After posting last night (very early this morning) and putting our economy “to bed”, I awoke at 11 am to hear Congress did NOT pass the President’s Bill. I guess, we are back to square one. And is it a chess move? I was not happy about the bail-out, but I did think the President and his advisers were honestly trying to do the “right thing” for all concerned. I, also, thought that Congress was in agreement with the proposed plan yesterday … what happened? Did the Speaker of the House out fox everyone? And why? Could the party politics not be put aside for the good of America? Apparently not. Could this be one of the reasons we find ourselves where we are tonight? Politics, interest me, but at times are past my understanding … remember, small town Country Gal writing this post. 

On the way home, later today, what is being discussed on NPR? My bank, Wachovia, has been bought by Citigroup, Inc.! What next? Then I read how  Charlotte, NC - home of Wachovia reacts to news … After following the link and reading the article did you wonder, as I did, was the corporate office in denial or suffering from a big case of stupid? Wachovia, forgive me, it is my anger over once again getting to know yet another “hometown bank” while wondering - do I stay or do I go?

What will be in the news tomorrow? Congress works out differences and moves forward … Wall Street rallies … Palin is given a chance to let viewers form an opinion of her “worthiness” as a candidate - after the debate on Thursday … guess the morning news will not be dull. Goodnight all.

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!” 

Because our economy is the talk EVERYWHERE consider these tips:

1. Banks are insured up to one hundred thousand dollars per account. If you have more than that amount in a single account … move your money around with no more than the insured amount in each account. Also, using more than one bank (BB&T, Wachovia, NBSC, etc.) is a good idea.
2. US Treasury Bills or Bonds are insured and safe … no interest, but SAFE. Seriously, consider this option.
3. Now is the time to go over your portfolio with your banker, accountant, estate planner - get the best advice from each … for your needs NOW and the FUTURE.
4. Do Not Panic. Do Not React. Do Not Act Without Advice.
5. Stop living on “credit.” If you cannot pay cash, you do not need it!
6. If you have outstanding bills, pay twice the minimum amount each month.
7. If you do not have your “safety net” set aside, BEGIN now to get three to six months of living expenses in an account with immediate access.

This is a frightening time … remain calm … concentrate on family, friends, church, work, and helping someone in need outside of your normal contacts. Remember our leaders, our country, our families (both immediate and church) in prayer.

In the meantime look around and be thankful for all God has given us. Autumn is such a beautiful time of year, get out and enjoy the changing colors, the cooler weather and FOOTBALL!

Also, remember we are all in this together. Americans will persevere and solve our countries financial woes. Have faith.

For additional information go to Reuters

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

This is an article I found on AOL News this morning. It gives additional information on retirement and the economy today.

Sure to Wreck Your Retirement posted: 12 HOURS 58 MINUTES AGO-comments: 0 filed under: Lifestyle, Money

With the financial markets taking a beating of late, working men and women are keeping a close eye on how it affects their retirement plans. In addition to that, they should also watch out for retirement scams that could put them in the poor house. Walletpop has a look at these little-

Full article. 

Original post appeared here as known loopholes and how to avoid them.Will we look like this at 65? Enjoying the retirement we worked so hard for with our spouse, significant other, friend, or whomever you choose? Or is this a long-earned vacation that will end and we both will return to work?

I hope it is our long-earned retirement!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Retirement?

not in our household! Oh we thought this year would be ‘THE YEAR’… hahaha - the joke is on us. The housing market is in a steady decline which for baby boomers thinking about downsizing is causing a longer selling time of homes and at a lower price! This changed the projected figures in most portfolios; however, this was offset by the purchase of a smaller home at a stealdeal. For some, the economy has taken homes, lifestyles, and dignity. Retirement is changing for lots of “Boomers”. Many are finding they will work longer than planned. Some will retire, but find the need to work ‘filler’ jobs to make ends meet. Many will be offered packages to retire early … and will take them. Somehow this picture does not look, feel, or seem right. Is it because the news is filled with another bail-out by the government of another huge financial corporation, in my opinion, that mismanaged their business. Everyone says it is a direct result of our economy, probably … but, at some point - sooner, rather than later - these corporations need to operate within their means … a balanced budget for business and government would be wonderful! Does any of this affect retirement?

Possibly. Especially if your retirement account/plan/pension is associated with one of the companies about to declare bankruptcy. However, the Government continues to bailout these companies, the latest, AIG. Please follow the highlighted link and read the full story which tells the figure has reached $900 billion! Impossible to truly comprehend. And happening in an election year. “Baby Boomers” need to research how this may affect them and their retirement - Will the retirement accounts, 401Ks, IRAs, pension plans and bank accounts be there when they are needed? Retirees hope so. One of the best organizations offering help with all aspects of retirement is The Lure of Money

Most of us know all about “social media” - myspace, facebook, twitter, and of course, blogs. These are only a few of what is available under the heading “social media.” If you are lucky enough to have adolescents, tweens, and teenagers, you are familiar with this term, the time spent using it, the cost of the opportunity, and the infamous number of choices of the gadgets that support this new pass-time. I must interject that this does cross the generation gap and just as many twenty-somethings, thirty-somethings, and EVEN senior citizens partake of the ”goodies” found on social media . A form of what I am speaking of will be found through this link … a new format, a great topic, fantastic people voicing their opinions.

I hope you understand now what social media is, who is attracted to the format, and how it affects their lives. Now, do YOU think we need it? If so, or if not, why?

My personal opinion is a huge, resounding, YES! My reasons can be characterized by the photo above. If you study it, you will see the earth world, what appears to be a business man thinking, and a growth chart showing a huge growth in business, sales, income, clients, whatever YOU want it to be … in my mind, the thinking was the most important step to reaching this goal. Then sharing the thought with fellow “like thinkers” (easier to bring on board, :)!), gaining their support and moving forward to the end product … again, whatever YOU want it to be!  You may be wondering - how does this have anything to do with social media?  I feel it has everything to do with it! Every idea could have been started by something seen, heard, or read on the Internet. It was then discussed online through IM, email, comments, and friends on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Friendfeed, and the many other “connections” available to mingle, share, and learn from one another. Still think there is no correlation between the “thought” and the “product” to social media? 

Then YOU are my target for the upcoming posts. I hope to show you, teach you and convince you that social media plays a huge part in all assets of our lives …

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

It is official - I have completed the first leg of my journey … by completing my Associate Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Health-care Management. Whew, I did it. The next step began on Monday, July 21, when I began my Batchelors Degree.

As I traveled, the journey seemed long, now looking back it was a fleeting span of time. A time of hard work, new friends, late nights, “Hubby” taking over cooking, cleaning, and everything in between! Thank you, honey!! Anyway, this is a milestone for me, one I am proud of and wanted to share with you … *patting myself on my back*

The town of Pamplico is located 84 miles ( 135 km )
— heading 90o (east) from Columbia.

Pamplico Profile

Demographics

Population:

Pamplico is located in Florence County, South Carolina and had a population of 1,139 in 2000.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF1, Table P1.

Population by Sex: 2000

Total Population 1,139

Male 538
Female 601

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF1, Table P12.

Population by Race: 2000

Total Population 1,139
White Alone 513
African
American Alone 598
American Indian and
Alaska Native Alone 4
Asian Alone 1
Native Hawaiian or
Other Pacific
Islander Alone 0
Some Other Race Alone 12
Two or More Races 11

A person of Hispanic or Latino origin is defined as a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. There were 17 people, or 1.5 percent of the total population, who were counted as Hispanic or Latino in Pamplico in 2000.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF1, Tables P3 and P4.

Population by Age: 2000

Total Population 1,139

0 to 18 Years 353
Under 5 Years 84
Under 6 Years 69
5 to 17 Years 243
18 to 29 Years 184
30 to 39 Years 142
40 to 49 Years 170
50 to 59 Years 121
60 to 69 Years 105
70 to 79 Years 67
65 Years and Over 82
80 Years and Over 23
85 Years and Over 12

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF1, Tables P12 and P14.

Urban and Rural Population:

2000

Total Population* 1095

Urban 0
Rural1095

*Note: Since SF3 data is based on a sample of the population, total population numbers may not correspond exactly with those released in SF1.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P5.

Marital Status:

Marital Status: 2000

Population 15 Years and Over 820

Never Married 246
Now Married 433
Married, Spouse Present 364
Married, Spouse Absent 69
Widowed 70
Divorced 71

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P18.

Languages Spoken:

The population who speaks a language other than English includes only those who sometimes or always speak a language other than English at home. It does not include those who speak a language other than English only at school or work, or those who were limited to only a few expressions or slang of the other language. Most people who speak another language at home also speak English.

For people who speak a language other than English at home, the response represents the person’s own perception of his or her ability to speak English, from very well to not at all. Because census questionnaires are usually completed by one household member, the responses may represent the perception of another household member.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P19.

Linguistically Isolated Households: 2000

A linguistically isolated household is one in which no member 14 years old and over: (1) speaks only English, or (2) speaks a non-English language and speaks English “very well.” In other words, all members 14 years old and over have at least some difficulty with English.

Total Households 417

Speak English 392
Speak Spanish 16

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P20.

Economics:

Income

Household Income: 1999

Household Income includes the income of the householder and all persons 15 years old and over in the household, whether related to the householder or not. Since many households consist of one person, average household income is usually less than average family income.

Total Households 417

Annual Household
Income Less
Than $10,000 101
$10,000 to $14,999 33
$15,000 to $24,999 53
$25,000 to $34,999 62
$35,000 to $49,999 63
$50,000 to $59,999 29
$60,000 to $74,999 29
$75,000 to $99,999 27
$100,000 to $124,999 7
$125,000 to $149,999 8
$150,000 to $199,999 0
$200,000 or More 5

Median Household Income $28,304

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P52.

Family Income: 1999

Family income is the income of all members 15 years old and over in a family, summed and treated as a single amount.

Total Families 314

Annual Family
Income Less
Than $10,000 65
$10,000 to $14,999 18
$15,000 to $24,999 46
$25,000 to $34,999 39
$35,000 to $49,999 46
$50,000 to $59,999 26
$60,000 to $74,999 27
$75,000 to $99,999 27
$100,000 to $124,999 7
$125,000 to $149,999 8
$150,000 to $199,999 0
$200,000 or More 5

Median Family Income $31,618

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P76.

Per Capita Income: 1999

Per capita income is the average income computed for every man, woman, and child in a particular group. The Census Bureau derived per capita income by dividing the total income of a particular group by the total population in that group (excluding patients or inmates in institutional quarters).

Per Capita Income in 1999

Total Population (All Races) $14,233
White Alone Population $20,356
African American
Alone Population $9150
Hispanic or Latino Population $13,714

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Tables P82, P157A-B and P157H.

Labor Force and Employment Status by Race: 2000

White African-American Hispanic

Population 16 Years and Over 416 379 7

In Labor Force 271 174 7
In Armed Forces 0 0 0
In Civilian Labor Force 271 174 7
Not In Labor Force 145 205 0

* Of the 271 people in the civilian labor force who are White, 96.7 percent (262 people) were employed and 3.3 percent (9 people) were unemployed.

* Of the 174 people in the civilian labor force who are African American, 71.8 percent (125 people) were employed and 28.2 percent (49 people) were unemployed.

* Of the 7 people in the civilian labor force who are Hispanic or Latino, 100 percent (7 people) were employed and 0 percent (0 people) were unemployed.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Tables P150A,B,H.

Education:

Educational Attainment: 2000

Population 25 Years and Over 662

Less Than 9th Grade 81
9th to 12th Grade, No Diploma 111
High School Graduate 210
Some College, No Degree 116
Associate Degree 25
Bachelor’s Degree 78
Graduate or Professional Degree 41

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P37.

Educational Attainment By Race: 2000

White African American Hispanic or Latino

Population 25 Years and Over 355 296 3

Less Than 9th Grade 7 71 3
9th to 12th Grade, No Diploma 40 69 0
High School Graduate 96 111 0
Some College, No Degree 86 27 0
Associate Degree 20 5 0
Bachelor’s Degree 66 12 0
Graduate or
Professional Degree 40 1 0

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P148A,B,H.

School Enrollment: 2000

Population 3 Years and Over 1032

Enrolled in Nursery School or Preschool 21
Enrolled in Kindergarten 23
Enrolled in Grade 1 to Grade 4 82
Enrolled in Grade 5 to Grade 8 66
Enrolled in Grade 9 to Grade 12 73
Enrolled in College (Undergraduate) 34
Enrolled in Graduate or Professional School 7
Not Enrolled in School 726

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P36.

Housing:

Households

A household consists of all the people who occupy a housing unit. A house, an apartment or other group of rooms, or a single room, is regarded as a housing unit when it is occupied or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters; that is, when the occupants do not live and eat with any other persons in the structure and there is direct access from the outside or through a common hall.

A household includes the related family members and all the unrelated people, if any, such as lodgers, foster children, wards, or employees who share the housing unit. A person living alone in a housing unit, or a group of unrelated people sharing a housing unit such as partners or roomers, is also counted as a household. The count of households excludes group quarters. There are two major categories of households, family and nonfamily.

There were a total of 419 households in Pamplico in 2000, with an average household size of 2.7 people.

Family Households: 2000

Total households 419

Total family households 323
Married couple households: 185
With own children under 18 years 74
No own children under 18 years 111
Male householder, no wife present: 26
With own children under 18 years 6
No own children under 18 years 20
Female householder,
no husband present: 112
With own children under 18 years 72
No own children under 18 years 40
Total Single-Parent Households
with Children Under 18 78

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Tables P17 and P18.

Housing Units

A housing unit is a house, an apartment, a mobile home, a group of rooms, or a single room occupied, or intended for occupancy, as separate living quarters. Separate living quarters are those in which the occupant(s) live separately from any other people in the building and which have direct access from outside the building or through a common hall.

In 2000, Pamplico reported having 463 housing units.

Housing Units: 2000

Total Housing Units 463

Occupied Housing Units 419
Owner Occupied 279
Renter Occupied 140
Vacant Housing Units 44
Vacant for Rent 8
Vacant for Sale 14
Rented or Sold, Not Occupied 5
Vacant for Seasonal, Recreational,
or Occasional Use 2
Vacant for Migrant Workers 0
Vacant for Other Reasons 15

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF1, Tables H1, H3, H4 and H5.

Poverty:

Poverty Status: 1999

Population for Whom Poverty Status is Determined 1093

Income in 1999 Below Poverty Level 347
Income in 1999 Above Poverty Level 746

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P87.

Poverty Status by Age: 1999

Total Income Above Poverty Level Income Below Poverty Level

Population Under
Age 5 96 29 67
Age 5 14 6 8
Age 6-11 126 65 61
Age 12-17 79 56 23
Age 18-64 614 451 163
Age 65-74 103 89 14
Age 75 and Over 61 50 11

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P87.

Poverty Status by Race: 1999

Total Income Above Poverty Level Income Below Poverty Level

White Alone Population 501 446 55
African American
Alone Population 561 279 282
Hispanic or Latino
Population 7 5 2

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000. SF3, Table P159A-B and 159H.

I hope you found the information interesting and educational. Next week we’ll look at an urban area in SC and their statistics. CountryGal is pooped! “Y’all come back ya’ hear!”

small town, Pamplico, SC, US Census Bureau, 2000, 1999, Race, White, African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Population, Education, Housing, Vehicles, Work force, Employed, Unemployed, Income, Below Poverty, Above Poverty, Poverty, Owner, Renter, Marital Status, College degree, Retirees, Statistics